Church report sings praises of Derby Cathedral School where staff and students “live life in all its fullness”

A key Church report has sung the praises of Derby Cathedral School, saying its students and staff “live life in all its fullness”.

The report from SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) has found that the secondary school and sixth form – part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust – is an “aspirational community” which is “driven by its values”.

Inspector Claire Gibson’s glowing report found many areas to praise in the 1155-pupil secondary on Great Northern Road following her visit in March.

Church schools undergo inspection by SIAMS around every five years to assess how well they live up to their Christian vision and values.

The report said: “Derby Cathedral School is driven by its values. It is an aspirational community where students and staff are enabled to flourish. Supported by the trust, leaders model integrity and care, enhancing outcomes.

“The Christian vision, aligned with that of the trust, is well understood and embedded in policy and practice. Through monitoring and evaluation, reflective leaders and governors ensure that the school’s Christian foundation compassionately and robustly serves the community.”

Particularly highlighted by the inspection was the inclusivity of Derby Cathedral School’s community, saying that pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) were being given “the bespoke support they need to thrive”, with “thoughtful adaptations” specific to their needs.

The school is offering “significant pastoral support and provision for emotional wellbeing” with one-to-one support, the inspector found.

SIAMS also said careful provision was being made for more vulnerable people – both within the school community and outside it. Disadvantaged pupils at the school benefit from a free breakfast programme and the school community has made donations to a local food bank.

With students enjoying a “clear sense of community and belonging”, reflected in high attendance rates, there is a strong RE curriculum encouraging them to ask “big questions”.

Special focus days such as for science, technology and engineering (STEM) impressed the inspector, who also valued the “richness” added to school life through projects like the bicycle repair club.

“Leaders have worked to ensure that the school culture and ethos is inclusive, welcoming and affirming,” said the report. “The emphasis on consistency in good behaviour and courtesy is evident in the calm way students enter and move around school. Positive student behaviour is reinforced by staff in a kind and supportive manner.”

Derby Cathedral School’s “outward-looking” partnerships with the wider community – with Derby Cathedral itself playing a key role – were also singled out for praise.

Head teacher Andrew Brown, who came to the school at the start of this academic year, said: “I could not be prouder of our recent SIAMS report which I feel has truly captured the spirit of rigour and joy that we try to permeate into every aspect of our everyday life here.

“Our students and staff form a great community, striving hard every day and looking out for more vulnerable members of society in a wide range of projects that we do here. It was great, for example, that the inspector was able to hear about a brilliant fundraising day that our sixth formers put on before Christmas, that raised more than £2000 for good causes.

“We are a church school and everyone is welcome here – of all faiths and none. The inspector quoted one of our students who commented how every student here is equally valued and cared for, and that’s an ethos we believe in. I hope every member of our school family – staff, students, leaders, parents and siblings – is as proud of this SIAMS report as I am.”

Dr Sarah Clark, chief executive officer of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust, said: “This SIAMS report is a great testament to the hard work of leaders at Derby Cathedral School in embedding faith values into the whole community. It’s particularly good to see that the inspector has noted how well the school is forging links with the wider community of Derby too, with recent fundraising activities from students being highlighted. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved.”